The gemstone opal is identified in crossword puzzles as the birthstone positioned between sapphire and topaz. While the provided sources primarily focus on its recognition as a crossword puzzle answer, they consistently identify opal as a gemstone with historical and cultural significance, particularly as a birthstone. This article will explore the available information regarding opal, drawing exclusively from the provided sources, and detailing its identification as a gemstone and its association with specific months and clues.
Historical Recognition and Crossword Clues
The primary context of the provided sources centers around the identification of opal as the solution to the crossword puzzle clue “Birthstone between sapphire and topaz.” These sources, dating from 2006 to 2025 (as indicated in the clues’ last seen dates), demonstrate the enduring recognition of opal within popular culture and its association with birthstone knowledge. The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, New York Sun, and Washington Post have all featured this clue in past crosswords, highlighting the gem’s place in general knowledge.
The sources indicate that the answer to the clue is “OPAL,” a four-letter word. This consistent answer across multiple crossword publications reinforces its established position as the birthstone fitting the described criteria. The sources also note the existence of a large number of clues within the crosswords, with one puzzle containing 75 clues in total. This context suggests that the birthstone clue is a relatively common element in crossword puzzles.
Gemstone Characteristics – Limited Information
The provided sources offer limited detail regarding the gemological properties of opal. However, several clues associated with opal provide some insight into its characteristics. The sources list related clues such as “October gem,” “Milky-white gem,” “Stone with color flashes,” “Translucent gem,” “Hydrophane or isopyre,” and “Opaque gem.” These clues suggest that opal is known for its variety in appearance, ranging from translucent to opaque, and often exhibiting a milky-white color or internal “color flashes.” The mention of “hydrophane” and “isopyre” indicates that some varieties of opal interact with water, a characteristic not detailed further within these sources.
One source notes opal as a “gem” alongside sapphire, indicating its classification as a gemstone. The sources do not provide information on its chemical composition, hardness, or other standard gemological properties.
Opal in Crossword Databases
Several sources explicitly mention their function as crossword solvers and databases. These platforms, such as Crossword Solver, Crossword Heaven, and Crossword Genius, aim to provide answers to crossword clues, including the “Birthstone between sapphire and topaz” clue. These sites demonstrate the ongoing demand for solutions to crossword puzzles and the role of opal in this context. Crossword Genius even includes an explanation of the clue, stating that “birthstone between sapphire and topaz” is the definition, and referencing prior instances of the clue.
One source provides a ranked list of potential answers, with “OPAL” receiving a 98% probability based on its appearance in the LA Times Daily crossword on June 14, 2024. This ranking system highlights the confidence in “OPAL” as the correct answer. Other potential answers listed, such as “TOPAZ” and “OPALS,” receive significantly lower probabilities, reinforcing the primary association of opal with the clue.
October Birthstone Association
The sources explicitly identify opal as the “October gem,” establishing its connection to the month of October as a birthstone. This association is consistent across multiple sources and reinforces its cultural significance. The sources do not elaborate on the historical origins of this association or any specific symbolism attached to opal as an October birthstone.
Additional Clues and Associations
Beyond its birthstone status, the sources link opal to other concepts within crossword puzzles. These include references to “fire opal,” suggesting a variety of the gem known for its fiery appearance, and associations with the author Leon Uris, who wrote a novel titled “Topaz.” These connections demonstrate the diverse ways in which opal can be incorporated into crossword clues and the broader cultural references it evokes.
Limitations of the Sources
It is crucial to acknowledge the significant limitations of the provided sources. They are overwhelmingly focused on the identification of opal as the answer to a specific crossword puzzle clue. They offer minimal information regarding the gemological properties, historical origins, mining locations, or metaphysical beliefs associated with opal. The sources primarily serve as a record of crossword puzzle data and do not constitute a comprehensive resource on opal as a gemstone.
The sources lack any authoritative gemological information, such as chemical composition, hardness on the Mohs scale, refractive index, or specific gravity. They also do not provide details on the different varieties of opal (e.g., black opal, white opal, fire opal) or their respective characteristics. The information presented is fragmented and derived solely from the context of crossword puzzles.
Conclusion
The provided sources consistently identify opal as the gemstone positioned between sapphire and topaz in the context of crossword puzzle clues. It is recognized as the birthstone for October and is associated with characteristics such as being milky-white, translucent, and exhibiting color flashes. However, the sources offer a limited and fragmented view of opal, primarily focusing on its role in popular culture and lacking detailed gemological or historical information. The sources serve as a record of its recognition as a gemstone within crossword puzzles, but do not provide a comprehensive understanding of its significance.